Adopting Xavier

Stephanie & RyanFort Wayne, Indiana

“We’re going to have 2 to 4 kids in a few years.” It was spring 2008 and we were in premarital counseling. “I think it will be really difficult if we cannot conceive children of our own,” I explained to Ryan and our pastor. Adoption was briefly mentioned. We both agreed that we weren’t opposed to it; but it also wasn’t our plan. I mean, I was head over heels for my fiancé and loved the thought of a Ryan Jr. running around in a couple of years. We left it at, “Maybe we’ll adopt someday, maybe”.

Fast forward ten years. Oh, how our thoughts about adoption have changed. It’s May 2018 and our second adoption is just around the corner. We have not been able to conceive a biological child and through this process, God led us on the beautiful path of adoption. We are so grateful and do not believe that adoption is “second best” for our family. This is the wonderful, redemptive way that God chose for us to have children. We believe that before time began God knew the children that we would raise. They would not look exactly like us and they wouldn’t grow in my belly. But, oh, they would grow in our hearts till our hearts are overflowing with love for them and their amazing birth families.

Naomi was adopted from birth in July 2016. She is an absolute joy. We have an open adoption with her birth family and are delighted to communicate frequently with them. If you haven’t heard how we originally connected with Naomi’s birth mom, ask us sometime. It’s an amazing story.

Now, 21 months later, we are awaiting the birth of a second child–a boy! Xavier is due in May. We are once again blown away by how God has worked this out in His time–not ours (this adoption has happened rather quickly). We are honored to raise this sweet little child. We will also have an open adoption with Xavier’s parents and are blessed to know them. Our prayer for Xavier is similar to Naomi, that whether he is shy and reserved or loud and outgoing, he will be a leader standing up for truth. We pray that he will know Jesus and be willing to share His amazing love with the nations.

Adoption has been a wonderful journey for our family. Will you consider joining us? We’d love prayers for this upcoming adoption, for Xavier’s birth family, and for us that we may shine that light and love of Jesus and be prepared to parent this precious child.

You also have an opportunity to give financially. We anticipate our adoption expenses for Xavier to exceed $30,000. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to partner with Eureka Bible Church and Lifesong for Orphans. They have generously given us a $3,000 matching grant. This means that every dollar donated up to $3,000 will be matched dollar for dollar.

Thank you so much for considering being a part of this journey with us.

Love,

Ryan, Stephanie & Naomi

STRIPE charges an online processing fee (2.2% +.30 USD per transaction). Your donations will be decreased by this amount. You may also send a check payable to “Lifesong for Orphans”. In the memo line please write “Rupp 7676”, to ensure it is credited to our account. Please mail to Lifesong for Orphans, PO Box 40, Gridley, IL 61744.

Lifesong has been blessed with partners who underwrite all U.S. administrative and fundraising costs (TMG Foundation and other partners). That means 100% of your donation will go directly to the adoption.

In following IRS guidelines, your donation is to Lifesong for Orphans. This organization retains full discretion over its use, but intends to honor the donor’s suggested use.

Lifesong is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. Individual donations of $50 or more and yearly donations totaling $250 or more will receive a tax-deductible receipt. Receipts for donations under $50 will gladly be sent upon request.

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“We’re going to have 2 to 4 kids in a few years.” It was spring 2008 and we were in premarital counseling. “I think it will be really difficult if we cannot conceive children of our own,” I explained to Ryan and our pastor. Adoption was briefly mentioned. We both agreed that we weren’t opposed to it; but it also wasn’t our plan. I mean, I was head over heels for my fiancé and loved the thought of a Ryan Jr. running around in a couple of years. We left it at, “Maybe we’ll adopt someday, maybe”.

Fast forward ten years. Oh, how our thoughts about adoption have changed. It’s May 2018 and our second adoption is just around the corner. We have not been able to conceive a biological child and through this process, God led us on the beautiful path of adoption. We are so grateful and do not believe that adoption is “second best” for our family. This is the wonderful, redemptive way that God chose for us to have children. We believe that before time began God knew the children that we would raise. They would not look exactly like us and they wouldn’t grow in my belly. But, oh, they would grow in our hearts till our hearts are overflowing with love for them and their amazing birth families.

Naomi was adopted from birth in July 2016. She is an absolute joy. We have an open adoption with her birth family and are delighted to communicate frequently with them. If you haven’t heard how we originally connected with Naomi’s birth mom, ask us sometime. It’s an amazing story.

Now, 21 months later, we are awaiting the birth of a second child–a boy! Xavier is due in May. We are once again blown away by how God has worked this out in His time–not ours (this adoption has happened rather quickly). We are honored to raise this sweet little child. We will also have an open adoption with Xavier’s parents and are blessed to know them. Our prayer for Xavier is similar to Naomi, that whether he is shy and reserved or loud and outgoing, he will be a leader standing up for truth. We pray that he will know Jesus and be willing to share His amazing love with the nations.

Adoption has been a wonderful journey for our family. Will you consider joining us? We’d love prayers for this upcoming adoption, for Xavier’s birth family, and for us that we may shine that light and love of Jesus and be prepared to parent this precious child.

You also have an opportunity to give financially. We anticipate our adoption expenses for Xavier to exceed $30,000. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to partner with Eureka Bible Church and Lifesong for Orphans. They have generously given us a $3,000 matching grant. This means that every dollar donated up to $3,000 will be matched dollar for dollar.

Thank you so much for considering being a part of this journey with us.

Love,

Ryan, Stephanie & Naomi

STRIPE charges an online processing fee (2.2% +.30 USD per transaction). Your donations will be decreased by this amount. You may also send a check payable to “Lifesong for Orphans”. In the memo line please write “Rupp 7676”, to ensure it is credited to our account. Please mail to Lifesong for Orphans, PO Box 40, Gridley, IL 61744.

Lifesong has been blessed with partners who underwrite all U.S. administrative and fundraising costs (TMG Foundation and other partners). That means 100% of your donation will go directly to the adoption.

In following IRS guidelines, your donation is to Lifesong for Orphans. This organization retains full discretion over its use, but intends to honor the donor’s suggested use.

Lifesong is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. Individual donations of $50 or more and yearly donations totaling $250 or more will receive a tax-deductible receipt. Receipts for donations under $50 will gladly be sent upon request.